Minister delivers explosive ultimatum to South Africa FA President Danny Jordaan
South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan has been handed a brutal ultimatum by Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie: deliver results or face the axe.
In a stinging rebuke, McKenzie has made it clear that his patience with SAFA is wearing thin, and the time for excuses is over.
The Minister, fed up with Bafana Bafana’s continued failures, revealed he has personally delivered two non-negotiable ultimatums to Jordaan and SAFA’s leadership: qualify for the FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), or be removed from their positions.
“I told the man you are talking about, Dr. Danny Jordaan, and I told SAFA—qualify for the World Cup, qualify for AFCON. I’m giving them all the support now, but I can’t be giving support until thy kingdom come if they are not performing,” McKenzie said bluntly in Soweto.
Despite the immense financial resources available to South African football, the country has continued to fall short on the global and continental stage.
McKenzie pointed to other African nations with fewer resources who are thriving, while Bafana Bafana languish in mediocrity.
He questioned why nations like Burkina Faso, with significantly less funding, manage to outperform South Africa.
“We are the most funded league on the African continent, the PSL. How come we can’t win AFCON? How come we can’t qualify for the World Cup? We mustn’t accept mediocrity,” he declared.
While McKenzie praised the national rugby team for their stellar performances, he was unsparing in his criticism of football.
“I’ve got full confidence in rugby because the results are there for us to see. The results are not there with soccer,” McKenzie said, emphasizing that SAFA’s sweet-talking and promises won’t sway him.
“I’m not a man who gets overpowered or impressed with words. I like action.”
Speaking at the handover of a multi-purpose sports court in Soweto, the Minister left no room for misunderstanding: SAFA’s future is hanging by a thread, and the clock is ticking for Jordaan and his team.
“For now, they have my support, but soon, if they don’t qualify, we must get people who can qualify,” McKenzie warned, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown in South African football.
